SIU Edwardsville scored four runs in the eighth inning in game two of a double header to salvage a split with Saint Joseph's today in the Great Lakes Valley Conference opener for both teams. Saint Joseph's took game one 6-3 and SIUE took the nightcap 4-3.
        Game one started with both teams scoring twice in the first frame. SIUE (2-10, 1-1 GLVC) was down 2-0 in the first inning until Wes Pickering's two-run double knotted the game 2-2.
        Saint Joseph's (4-7, 1-1 GLVC) scored two more in the second to move the game to 4-2. SIUE cut the lead to 4-3 in the fifth inning on a Craig Ohlau RBI single, but the Puma's platted insurance runs in the sixth and seventh as they cruised to the 6-3 victory.
        Bob Bosserdet pitched all seven innings for Saint Joseph's, scattering six hits and striking out four in the victory. SIUE starter Brian Keating allowed 13 hits in the home opener.
        Game two started as a pitcher's dual as SIUE's Jarad Rettberg and SJC's Mike Stitz each pitched deep into the nine-inning affair. Rettberg pitched 7.2 innings, allowing one earned run on seven hits while striking out seven.
        Stitz held the Cougar offense at bay until the Cougars awoke for four runs in the eighth inning. Kyle Martin got the rally started after singling to left field. After a hit by pitch and a sacrifice bunt, the Cougars had runners on second and third when Craig Ohlau singled through the right side, scoring Martin and Joe Wargo. Luke Humphrey scored Ohlau with a single, and Jared Brueggeman singled home Pickering to round out the four-run eighth.
        Pat Evers, who entered the game in the top of the eighth, picked up the victory. Pitching with a 4-3 lead and the tying run on second, Evers got Bo Gum to ground out to seal the victory.
        Both teams will be in action tomorrow in another doubleheader to close out the four-game series. First pitch is scheduled for noon at Roy Lee Field.
                -siue cougars-